The High-Functioning AlcoholicUnderstanding this Hidden Class of Alcoholics from a Professional and Personal Viewhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/
en-US30Mon, 23 Feb 2015 10:05:40 -0600Mon, 23 Feb 2015 10:10:42 -0600Non-Traditional Addiction Services That Workhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201502/non-traditional-addiction-services-work
Navigating addiction treatment services can be an overwhelming process, especially when you or your loved one is in crisis. However, it is also important to understand that there are non-traditional forms of addiction/mental health treatment that are being utilized more often and are becoming more mainstream.AddictionAlcoholCoachingDecision-MakingGenderHealthLeadershipMotivationPsychiatrySelf-HelpTeamworkTherapyhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201502/non-traditional-addiction-services-work#comments1071439 at http://psychologytoday.comMon, 23 Feb 2015 10:05:40 -0600The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCParenting High-Functioning Teens Around Drinking and Drugshttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201411/parenting-high-functioning-teens-around-drinking-and
Many parents have questions and concerns about their teenager’s alcohol and drug usage, including how best to set limits and rules within the household.These issues may become concealed and more complicated when these individuals are high-functioning—in that they are performing well in school,engaged in extra-curricular activities,socialize with friends and appear healthy.AddictionAdolescenceAlcoholFearGuiltHumorIdentityIntuitionLaughterNeuroscienceParentingPsychopharmacologySocial LifeTherapyhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201411/parenting-high-functioning-teens-around-drinking-and#comments164779 at http://psychologytoday.comWed, 19 Nov 2014 09:13:36 -0600The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCRobin William's Suicide and Connection with Dual Diagnosishttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201408/robin-williams-suicide-and-connection-dual-diagnosis
I have been deeply impacted emotionally by the news of Robin William’s suicide and have found myself shedding tears as I think about the pain that he must have been experiencing and if the outcome could have been different. By nature, I try to find meaning when there is difficulty, and find inspiration from existential concepts—AddictionDietEnvironmentFearHealthLeadershipPsychiatryPsychopharmacologySelf-HarmSleepSpiritualityStressSuicideTherapyhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201408/robin-williams-suicide-and-connection-dual-diagnosis#comments157686 at http://psychologytoday.comMon, 18 Aug 2014 11:04:26 -0500The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCThe Power of Drinking Memorieshttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201405/the-power-drinking-memories
Memorial Day is just around the corner and summer to follow. Those living in areas where there are four seasons are coming out of hibernation, getting small tastes of sun, heat and outdoor activity. Along with memories of past drinking.AddictionAlcoholEnvironmentMemoryTherapyhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201405/the-power-drinking-memories#comments150804 at http://psychologytoday.comFri, 16 May 2014 14:01:11 -0500The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCThe Shock of the Shock of Celebrity Addiction-Related Deathshttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201402/the-shock-the-shock-celebrity-addiction-related-deaths
The recent reported drug overdose and death of Philip Seymour Hoffman led me and a friend to discuss why these types of deaths are still so surprising to people and why so much attention is paid. Each time that I hear about a celebrity alcohol and drug-related death, it has an impact on me and millions of others.AddictionAlcoholFearHappinessHealthhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201402/the-shock-the-shock-celebrity-addiction-related-deaths#comments143231 at http://psychologytoday.comMon, 03 Feb 2014 11:30:55 -0600The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCHoliday Drinking: What Is Normal?https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201311/holiday-drinking-what-is-normal
I recently read a unique article about a study by Caron Treatment titled “Many Americans Oblivious to What High-Risk Drinking Looks Like.” Dr. Harris Stratyner was quoted as saying “Alcohol is still the number one cause of damaging behavior at holiday celebrations throughout the U.S.”AddictionAlcoholFlirtingPsychopharmacologySleepSocial LifeTherapyhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201311/holiday-drinking-what-is-normal#comments138191 at http://psychologytoday.comMon, 25 Nov 2013 11:54:00 -0600The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCAlcoholism Does Not Discriminate...https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201308/alcoholism-does-not-discriminate-0
I was recently interviewed for a Forbes.com article titled “Why the Brains of High-Powered People May be More Prone to Addiction” by Alice Walton. What struck me when I read the article was that there was a specific article written about this subset of individuals.AddictionAlcoholBiasEducationEmpathyGenderLaw and CrimeRace and EthnicitySocial Networkinghttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201308/alcoholism-does-not-discriminate-0#comments131367 at http://psychologytoday.comTue, 20 Aug 2013 11:04:09 -0500The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCCaron Study Reveals "Top 5 Reasons" Mothers Turn to Alcoholhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201305/caron-study-reveals-top-5-reasons-mothers-turn-alcohol
Mother’s Day is fast approaching and I hope that this can be a time when mothers are honest with themselves and others about support that they may need. Mothers have unique challenges that can exacerbate drinking issues in those with a predisposition.AddictionAlcoholDepressionGeneticsHealthHormonesMeditationMindfulnessMotivationParentingPersonalityPost-PartumPregnancyPsychopharmacologyRelationshipsSleepSocial NetworkingStressTherapyTraumahttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201305/caron-study-reveals-top-5-reasons-mothers-turn-alcohol#comments124402 at http://psychologytoday.comFri, 10 May 2013 07:26:06 -0500The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCDenzel Washington as High-Functioning Alcoholic in "Flight"https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201302/denzel-washington-high-functioning-alcoholic-in-flight
I have always said that the story of the high-functioning alcoholic (HFA) is not typically told in books, movies and television because it is often boring and not always dramatic. Well, the movie “Flight” starring Denzel Washington has brought thrill, suspense and truth to this topic.AddictionAlcoholCareerDivorceIdentityLeadershipMediaPsychopharmacologySleephttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201302/denzel-washington-high-functioning-alcoholic-in-flight#comments118421 at http://psychologytoday.comWed, 20 Feb 2013 13:37:01 -0600The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCSober Thrills!https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201301/sober-thrills
Recently, I was captivated by the movie “Zero Dark Thirty” about the CIA and Seal Team that killed Osama Bin Laden.I was fascinated with the personality types that would choose government and military jobs that would place one’s life in that level of danger.I also wondered what the experience would be like to transition from adrenaline-filled jobs to ordinary home life.AddictionAlcoholCareerEmpathyEnvironmentMarriageMatingNeuroscienceParentingPersonalityPoliticsSelf-ControlSensation-SeekingSpiritualitySport and CompetitionTeamworkhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201301/sober-thrills#comments115583 at http://psychologytoday.comTue, 15 Jan 2013 09:43:01 -0600The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCNature and Recoveryhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201210/nature-and-recovery
Nature: from an urban garden and park to the vast lakes, rivers, oceans, forests and mountains—it is everywhere and available to everyone. There are unique and healing qualities that civilizations have tapped into since the beginning of time.AddictionAngerAnxietyAppetiteDietEducationEnvironmentFearHealthLeadershipMeditationMindfulnessParentingPhilosophyPsychopharmacologySleepSpiritualitySport and CompetitionStressTherapyhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201210/nature-and-recovery#comments108398 at http://psychologytoday.comTue, 16 Oct 2012 11:08:21 -0500The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCThe 411 on Addiction Interventions...https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201208/the-411-addiction-interventions
Interventions are a group process during which the reality of the identified patient’s (IP) alcohol and drug use is presented to that person by a group of other individuals (ie, family, friends, co-workers).AddictionAlcoholHealthLeadershipSelf-HelpTherapyTreatmenthttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201208/the-411-addiction-interventions#comments103513 at http://psychologytoday.comTue, 14 Aug 2012 13:18:08 -0500The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCThe Challenges and Blessings of Being a Sober Motherhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201205/the-challenges-and-blessings-being-sober-mother
As a new mother who is in recovery from alcoholism, I have gained an enormous amount of first-hand experience into the unique challenges that motherhood brings for those either trying to get sober or intending to sustain their recovery.AddictionAlcoholDepressionGeneticsHealthHormonesMeditationMindfulnessMotivationParentingPersonalityPost-PartumPregnancyRelapseSleepStressTherapyhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201205/the-challenges-and-blessings-being-sober-mother#comments94796 at http://psychologytoday.comTue, 08 May 2012 11:27:18 -0500The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCWhitney Houston’s Story Could Help Others With Addictionshttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201202/whitney-houston-s-story-could-help-others-addictions
While I do not feel that it is appropriate to make conclusions about Whitney's cause of death prior to the release of the autopsy reports, I do believe that her life has been a cautionary tale.AddictionAlcoholCareerEmbarrassmentLaughterMarriagePsychopharmacologySmokingSpiritualityTeamworkhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201202/whitney-houston-s-story-could-help-others-addictions#comments88586 at http://psychologytoday.comThu, 23 Feb 2012 10:55:35 -0600The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCHow to Cope with Family Holiday Events... Without Alcohol!https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201111/how-cope-family-holiday-events-without-alcohol
AddictionAlcoholFamily DynamicsHumorLaughterMeditationStressTherapyhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201111/how-cope-family-holiday-events-without-alcohol#comments80405 at http://psychologytoday.comWed, 23 Nov 2011 10:18:00 -0600The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCStaying Sober is Possible- in College!https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201108/staying-sober-is-possible-in-college
AddictionAlcoholDietEnvironmentHealthMeditationSleepSpiritualityStressTherapyhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201108/staying-sober-is-possible-in-college#comments72924 at http://psychologytoday.comTue, 30 Aug 2011 12:53:29 -0500The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCWhat Type of Addiction Services Do I Need?https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201106/what-type-addiction-services-do-i-need
There is an overwhelming amount of information on the internet about addiction treatment. Many people email me and have no idea where to begin or what type of care that they or their loved one may need. There is common terminology that is important for those seeking treatment and their loved ones to understand when reaching out for help.AddictionAlcoholGenderHealthLeadershipPsychiatryPsychopharmacologySuicideTherapyTreatmenthttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201106/what-type-addiction-services-do-i-need#comments67134 at http://psychologytoday.comTue, 21 Jun 2011 11:58:05 -0500The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCThe Challenges of Dealing with an Alcoholic Loved Onehttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201104/the-challenges-dealing-alcoholic-loved-one
AddictionAlcoholEducationFearParentingTherapyhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201104/the-challenges-dealing-alcoholic-loved-one#comments58445 at http://psychologytoday.comTue, 12 Apr 2011 10:22:18 -0500The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCRecommitting is the Key to Long-Term Recovery from Alcoholismhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201102/recommitting-is-the-key-long-term-recovery-alcoholism
AddictionAnxietyDepressionDietEmpathyHealthLeadershipMotivationPsychopharmacologyRelationshipsSexSleepSpiritualityTherapyhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201102/recommitting-is-the-key-long-term-recovery-alcoholism#comments54989 at http://psychologytoday.comWed, 02 Feb 2011 13:52:24 -0600The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCHow to Have Happy SOBER Holidays!https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201012/how-have-happy-sober-holidays
AddictionAlcoholEmpathyHealthMarriagePsychopharmacologySleepSocial LifeStressTherapyhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201012/how-have-happy-sober-holidays#comments51356 at http://psychologytoday.comMon, 06 Dec 2010 11:55:40 -0600The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCIf Eminem is Proud to Be Sober… Then Anyone Can Be!https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201009/if-eminem-is-proud-be-sober-then-anyone-can-be
I was speechless while watching the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) as Eminem performed the song "Not Afraid" from his newest album "Recovery"- in fact I felt tears brewing. Through the years Eminem has been a controversial hip-hop rapper who seemed to thrive on offending and instigating public and political figures by speaking his mind without concern for other's opinions.AddictionAlcoholCreativityEmpathyPsychopharmacologyhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201009/if-eminem-is-proud-be-sober-then-anyone-can-be#comments48023 at http://psychologytoday.comMon, 20 Sep 2010 12:38:03 -0500The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCBalance: The Key to Successful Recovery from Alcoholismhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201008/balance-the-key-successful-recovery-alcoholism
Finding "balance"...a term that sends shivers down the spine of an alcoholic- active or sober. Many alcoholics have extreme personalities that often lack moderation. Therefore, when they get sober it can be a challenge to change their lifestyle to one that is conducive with recovery.AddictionAlcoholDietEnvironmentHealthLeadershipMeditationPsychopharmacologyRelationshipsReligionSleepSmokingSpiritualityTherapyTime Managementhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201008/balance-the-key-successful-recovery-alcoholism#comments46627 at http://psychologytoday.comTue, 17 Aug 2010 11:40:35 -0500The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCSummertime parties and the beach! A Quick Guide to Coping with Alcohol Cravingshttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201006/summertime-parties-and-the-beach-quick-guide-coping
AddictionAlcoholMeditationMindfulnessPsychopharmacologyhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201006/summertime-parties-and-the-beach-quick-guide-coping#comments44770 at http://psychologytoday.comWed, 30 Jun 2010 10:03:30 -0500The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCBeing “Sober” Versus Being in “Recovery”https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201005/being-sober-versus-being-in-recovery
AddictionAlcoholHealthJealousyLeadershipPsychopharmacologyRelationshipsSexSpiritualityTherapyTreatmenthttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201005/being-sober-versus-being-in-recovery#comments42750 at http://psychologytoday.comMon, 17 May 2010 10:41:39 -0500The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCApril is Alcohol Awareness Month: Great Time to be Mindful of Drinking Habits!https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201004/april-is-alcohol-awareness-month-great-time-be-mindful
Mindfulness can involve simply taking a few moments to check in with yourself about your drinking habits. You or a loved one may want to consider answering the following questions in order to be honest about the role alcohol plays in your lives.AddictionAlcoholCareerHealthMindfulnessMotivationSocial Lifehttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201004/april-is-alcohol-awareness-month-great-time-be-mindful#comments40956 at http://psychologytoday.comMon, 12 Apr 2010 13:38:08 -0500The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCThe Great Wine Mythhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201003/the-great-wine-myth
"We JUST had a few glasses of wine at this nice restaurant.""I know that I shouldn't be drinking again, but it is JUST wine with friends""I need to drink wine daily, doctors say that it is good for your heart.""It goes down so easily, I didn't notice how many glasses of wine they poured me at the party."AddictionAlcoholDietHealthParentingSocial Lifehttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201003/the-great-wine-myth#comments39564 at http://psychologytoday.comWed, 17 Mar 2010 10:14:26 -0500The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCAwareness of Risk Factors Can Help Decrease Risks of Developing Alcoholismhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201002/awareness-risk-factors-can-help-decrease-risks-developing
AddictionAlcoholDepressionGeneticsHealthMotivationNeuroscienceParentingPersonalityPost-Traumatic Stress DisorderPsychopharmacologyRelapseSelf-ControlSensation-SeekingTherapyTraumaWisdomhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201002/awareness-risk-factors-can-help-decrease-risks-developing#comments38648 at http://psychologytoday.comWed, 24 Feb 2010 11:55:50 -0600The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCFailed New Year’s Resolutions to Cut Back on Drinking: Time to "Think about Your Drinking"https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201001/failed-new-year-s-resolutions-cut-back-drinking-time
AddictionAlcoholReligionSexSocial Lifehttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/201001/failed-new-year-s-resolutions-cut-back-drinking-time#comments37471 at http://psychologytoday.comThu, 28 Jan 2010 10:15:12 -0600The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCThe Holidays: Challenges and Survival Guide for Sober Alcoholicshttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/200911/the-holidays-challenges-and-survival-guide-sober
AddictionAlcoholEmpathyPsychopharmacologySleepSocial LifeTherapyhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/200911/the-holidays-challenges-and-survival-guide-sober#comments35175 at http://psychologytoday.comTue, 24 Nov 2009 15:05:17 -0600The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPCMothers Can be High-Functioning Alcoholics Too!https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/200910/mothers-can-be-high-functioning-alcoholics-too
It is as though the image of the “mother” and that of the “alcoholic” seem contradictory. However, alcoholism does not discriminate and there are mothers who are able to fulfill their roles as mothers (in the literal sense), and even as professionals—therefore being high functioning. Those around them may not believe that these individuals could be alcoholic, because their outside life may appear “perfect”.AddictionAlcoholDepressionEmbarrassmentEthics and MoralityHealthParentinghttps://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-high-functioning-alcoholic/200910/mothers-can-be-high-functioning-alcoholics-too#comments33887 at http://psychologytoday.comTue, 20 Oct 2009 09:25:01 -0500The High-Functioning AlcoholicSarah A Benton MS, LMHC, LPC